Luke Parker is confident he will be fit for the season opener against Port Adelaide despite a slight injury setback.

The star midfielder underwent some minor surgery on his knee upon return to the Club for pre-season training just a fortnight ago.

Recently appointed one of three vice captains for the 2017 season, Parker is confident the injury won’t be too much of a setback.

“I went overseas on holidays because they thought rest and recovery would be the best option but it has flared up a little bit which has given me a bit of grief,” Parker said.

“We waited another month for it to settle down but it just kept flaring up so we went in to find out the exact reason as to what it was."

Despite sitting on the sidelines for most of the pre-season prior to Christmas the 24-year-old is optimistic about his chances of hitting the training track in the new year.

“Now I have had the clean-up and hopefully I will be back running in the next few weeks so hopefully it doesn’t hold me back too much,” he said.

“I should be back running by January which is obviously two months before the pre-season competition so hopefully I will get a bit of game time in there and be right for Round 1.”

Even more responsibility will be place on Parker next season as one of three vice captains alongside Dan Hannebery and Dane Rampe.

“It is very special to be acknowledged by the coaches and the board to lead the team in that way,” he said.

“We all have a lot to learn still but it is a great challenge ahead and we are here to support Joey as well after learning a lot off Kieren and Macca.”

“Hopefully I can continue to take my leadership to the next level and I am honoured to have that title.”